We are definite noobs to travelling outside of Canada. We are set to arrive in Cancun direct flight from Montreal on February 12th (only 116 days as my wife keeps telling me). When we arrive at the airport, what is the customs situation like? How long will it take for us to get everything taken care of at the airport before we can leave to go to the resort? We arrive at 10:00am in Mexico, so we hope to get a good part of the day exploring the resort, so we know where we are going by the second day.
The length of time to get thru customs depends on how many flights are arriving when your is. We have run into a big line up only once so hopefully you won't have any trouble with that. The first step is customs entry into Mexico. That is quick... they will look at your passport and stamp it and give you a piece of paper that must be returned when you leave. Don't lose it! Next you collect your luggage. Then off to another line where your luggage is scanned. At the end of the scanner belt there is a big button that you have to press. Really...no kidding. One press per family. If the button make a light turn green then off you go. If it turns red then they will do an inspection of your luggage before letting you go. Then you walk thru a hallway to meet your transportation to the resort. Lots of timeshare people in the hallway will try to get you to chat. Smile and say no thanks as you walk by. You are not allowed to take the airport cart outside so you will have to leave it before exiting. Outside there are lots of people holding up signs for the various transportation companies and taxi's. We use USA Transfers. There is a link to book on this site on the main page. They are quick and friendly and don't stop at any other hotels on the way. When you check in to Temptation you will be invited to an "orientation" which is really a timeshare pitch. Our advise is to politely decline. There are other posts here that show the layout of the resort with suggestions on room locations. That's worth reading. Another quick suggestion would be to use peso's there and not US dollars. We get our peso's at an ATM in a little shop just in front of the resort, off to one side. When you purchase anything in US dollars you will lose on the exchange. Canadian dollars are even worse (They don't seem to get that our dollar is pretty much at par). Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions Have fun!
You will get a form to fill out(they usually hand them out on the plane but sometimes it seems that the travel agents have given them). Fill it out before the plane lands. It is your tourist visa, they stamp it and then collect it upon your departure. Don't lose it-very important to keep it!
Thanks! We have 4 more months before we leave Montreal for Cancun, so we will have a lot more questions! The wife is super excited, I am a little nervous...lol So we can just use our regular CIBC ATM card and take Pesos right out of the ATM?? That seems super convenient. Should we have some pesos to take with us before we leave Canada? And should we have some American Dollars for the activities or can we just use Pesos?
Good idea to have some peso's with you for a tip for your driver and if you want a beverage at the small bar located just outside the airport where you get your transportation. Yes, you CIBC card work there. Don't use the ATM in the gift shop at the hotel. It dispenses US dollars. Don't worry....Mexican customs people are a hell of a lot friendly than ours...lol.
We've never taken pesos before, we always take USD with us. When you pay in US you will get pesos for change, but we just use them up before heading home. We've never used the bank machine down there so unfortunately we can't help you with that. I would let your bank know though that you are travelling just in case. D
US dollars are readily accepted...but you end up paying more for everything you buy. The stores all use an exchange rate heavily weighted in their favour. I think peso's are more useful to staff as tips, as well. They also have to deal with an exchange rate that can be unfair and inconvenient. I always let our bank know we are travelling. Also Visa, in case I use it down there. American customs are friendly than ours too. And Jamaican. And Chilian....Hell....even Cuban! Honestly, our customs people are an embarrassment. Stiff and unfriendly. Lousy first impressions of Canada for our visitors. But then everyone on the east coast is friendly so you may luck out
